Downtown Delray Beach already is a destination for foodies and beachgoers. Now, the city has set its sights on fashionistas.
It started last year with a one-night fashion event, aimed at showcasing almost 100 boutiques and shops scattered throughout the city. This year, that one night has morphed into a week of runway shows and other expos that will focus on local style and boosting Delray's shopping scene.
"People don't realize what we have in these stores," said Laura Simon, associate director of Delray's Downtown Development Authority, the group coordinating the week's events. "It's not Nordstrom. But, you can still spend $300 on a pair of shoes or get a pair of jeans for $60. We have the best of both worlds."
The DDA created the 'Fabulous Fashion Show' along Atlantic Avenue, complete with a catwalk, fist-pumping music and long-legged models. Starting Saturday, there will be more of the same, with the week of free events dedicated to must-have handbags, all-the-rage shoes and ready-to-wear outfits.
"This will show the variety that our shops have in Delray Beach," Simon said. "It's even better than last year."
Events like fashion week are important to residents, businesses and the city alike because they bring in people, who bring with them revenue. The DDA was created in 1971 to do just that, make downtown Delray a place where people want to open their wallets.
Now, the spotlight is on fashionistas from all over South Florida and anywhere else, for that matter, Simon said.
From trunk shows, where people can buy pieces right from the designers, to the finale runway show, where spring collections will be showcased by models strutting down an outdoor catwalk in front of the Colony Hotel, the goal is to pack the week with style for sale.
Opening night kicks off at Worthing Park with 20 models in 2014 bathing suits handing out the week's schedule and a map identifying each featured store's location.
"It is freezing everywhere else," Simon said. "Why not have bikini models running around?"
But, fashion week isn't only about women.
"People think we don't have men's clothes here," Simon said.
Delray does. And there will be a show just for men to prove it.
"People are going to be stunned at what we have," said Jackie Beard Robinson, owner of Ginjer, a downtown boutique participating in the men's show. "We have totally stepped up our menswear."
For her, fashion week is about showing shoppers that Atlantic Avenue stores are affordable.
"It's not like Worth Avenue where you can't even afford a T-shirt," she said. "People think, 'Oh it's on the Avenue, they are going to kill us with the prices.' We aren't. The prices are completely fair."
And retail shops aren't the only downtown venues involved.
Restaurants and beauty salons are in on the action, too, hosting open houses for designers to promote their goods.
"That's the difference between a Miami show and a Delray show," Simon said. "It's a true community effort."
From the models on the runway to the downtown stylists who perfected their up-dos, the week is put on by volunteers.
"Everyone is working together," Simon said. "And, it's great to see."
Delray resident Diane Franco, 71, attended last year's show and said she is ecstatic she was asked to be involved this year.
She is modeling in one of the side shows at Atlantic Plaza and looking forward to wearing high heels, a cute outfit and getting her hair done.
"They are trying to feature something for everyone," Franco said. "Not everyone is 25 and a size two. I am standing up for the older, over 70, petite women. We have to get dressed, too."
mgottesman@tribune.com, 561-243-6544 or Twitter @marisag_ss
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